Veterans are the backbone of every nation. They serve selflessly and put their lives on the line to protect their country. However, many veterans struggle with health problems after returning to civilian life. One of the primary reasons for this is that military veterans are often exposed to a variety of hazardous conditions during their deployment, including explosions, guns, dangerous chemicals, and infectious diseases. This exposure can lead to a number of serious health problems, both physical and mental.
In this article, we will discuss the most common health issues faced by military veterans and reflect on the struggles they face upon returning to civilian life.
- Chemical Exposure
One of the most common health issues among military veterans is exposure to harmful or often fatal chemicals during their military service, such as asbestos, radiation, contaminated water, warfare agents, and air pollutants. This exposure can put veterans at risk of developing a variety of health problems, including mesothelioma, even years after their initial exposure.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has provided an overview of the risks associated with common chemical exposures based on deployment location and time periods. This information can help veterans to understand their risk of developing health problems and to seek the appropriate care and support.
Mesothelioma army veterans can seek compensation and support by qualifying for financial compensation and VA benefits. There are also a number of organizations that provide support to mesothelioma patients and their families.
If you are a veteran or know a veteran who has been exposed to harmful chemicals, please reach out for help. There are resources available to help you navigate the VA benefits system and to get the care and support you need.
- Substance Use Disorder
Another common health issue faced by veterans is substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by the compulsive use of drugs and alcohol despite the negative consequences.
Veterans are at increased risk for SUD for a number of reasons. They may experience trauma and stress during their military service, which can lead to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. They may also have difficulty adjusting to civilian life after returning from deployment.
Veterans are more likely to use tobacco products than non-veterans, regardless of their age group. They are also more likely to binge drink and develop alcohol use disorders. Prescription drug abuse is also common among veterans, as they are often prescribed painkillers to treat chronic pain.
- Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries
Due to the physically demanding nature of military service, chronic musculoskeletal pain, or CMP, is a commonly faced health issue among veterans. The strenuous activities, rigorous training, and potential injuries sustained during their time in the armed forces are the primary cause of discomfort and chronic pain in joints, muscles, and bones as they age.
Also, veterans who suffer from musculoskeletal pain often feel a deep ache in their entire body and a burning sensation or twitching in their muscles. The health issue also leads to sleep disturbances and fatigue. Fortunately, veterans can treat the problem by seeking timely medical assistance.
There are various specialized orthopedic care, pain management, and physical therapy programs that can help. They can also explore alternative therapies like chiropractic care or acupuncture, which have shown promising results in relieving musculoskeletal pain.
- Depression
Although depression is a common issue that can creep into anyone’s life, it ranks among the most common mental health issues among veterans. This stems from military life involving severe stressors like combat, deployment, and relocations.
While this condition has been a common problem in veterans in every era, it is still highly undiagnosed. Some of the common symptoms of depression include being persistently irritable and sad, feelings of guilt, changes in sleep, lack of concentration, and hopelessness. However, veterans don’t need to face the struggle alone.
Mental health services offered by the Department of VA, therapy, support groups, or even staying connected with fellow veterans or participating in different community activities can help provide a purpose and sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Physical Injuries
It is no surprise that veterans come back with many physical injuries or battle scars. These injuries may happen during combat or result from physical stress on the body. Some of the common physical injuries include lost limbs, hearing loss, brain and head injuries, limited range of motion in knees and ankles, strains and sprains, etc.
Also, most of the time, such injuries are serious enough or life-threatening and become a cause of disability later in life. Not to mention, with age, any physical injury can make it harder to cope. Thus, veterans may have to adjust or adapt to chronic pain after physical injuries. They may be required to stop playing sports, carry out hobbies, or even learn to perform them differently.
Either way, these challenges not only affect them physically but also drain them emotionally.
- TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI or traumatic brain injury is the physiological disruption of brain function or trauma-induced physical injury due to external force. The condition often results from a blast during deployment or suffering a head injury during training.
TBI can cause a range of cognitive impairments in veterans, as well as a range of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Similarly, mood swings, memory problems, and lack of focus are some of the many challenges faced by veterans later in life. However, with the right and timely medical care, many veterans have been able to navigate the recovery journey and, thus, regain their footing.
Make a Friend, Save a Veteran: “Thank you for your Service”(Opens in a new browser tab)
Conclusion
Our veterans deserve the best treatment and support to treat the above-discussed health issues. No matter if they are suffering from physical injuries, PTSD, SUDs, depression, or a brain injury, by understanding and acknowledging these common health issues and helping them seek timely assistance, we can help improve their quality of life.
Also, raising awareness about these mental and physical challenges can curb the stigma surrounding these issues and create a more accepting society for veterans.
Discussion about this post